The Shuixian varietal is similar to Dancong at Phoenix Mountain. These groves, clusters of giant bonsai, or dwarf trees that are 8 feet tall going on 40 feet, live to couple thousand years or more. These ones on Mr. Zhang’s property is about 150-200 years old. There is no substitute for being wild, or old- the teas made from these knarly bushes will put one to tears. Crisp burnt toast fragrance with nuts and cinnamon gives way to smooth, velvety, cooked butterscotch with a hint of magnolia fragrance. A divine tea. And dearly acquired. Our trek into this wild kingdom of giant bamboo forest consisted of a mad smattering of wild trees just hanging out near the creek, without road access nor foothold. The travelers, including the 8 year old, were intrepid indeed.
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